The Vitamin Deficiency that Mimics Dementia - Dr. Berg

Summary

This video discusses the possibility that dementia symptoms may be mistaken for a vitamin deficiency, particularly vitamin B12. It highlights the importance of B12, the role of microbes in its production, and the impact of stomach acid on absorption. The video also points out the connection between B1 and hippocampus health, the role of zinc and vitamin D in cognitive function, and the potential side effects of various medications. It concludes with dietary recommendations, including a keto diet and consuming fatty fish, red meat, and seafood to address these deficiencies.

Takeaways

• 🧠 Dementia-like symptoms can sometimes be a result of vitamin deficiencies rather than the disease itself.
• 💊 Vitamin B12 deficiency is a common cause of cognitive problems and is primarily found in animal products.
• 🌱 B12 can also be produced by microbes, as found in wheatgrass, which is an unusual source.
• 🍽️ As we age or if taking antacids, we may not produce enough hydrochloric acid necessary for B12 absorption.
• 💊 Metformin and other medications can lead to B12 and B1 deficiencies, affecting cognitive function.
• 🍀 Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA, are crucial for allowing B12 to function effectively in the brain.
• 💊 Medications for various conditions, including antacids, bladder control, sleep aids, antidepressants, and cholesterol medications, can have dementia-like side effects.
• 🧠 Vitamin B1 is vital for the health of the hippocampus, the part of the brain involved with memory.
• 🍬 High carbohydrate diets increase the demand for B1, potentially leading to a deficiency and hippocampal damage.
• 🦪 Zinc is essential for preventing amyloid plaques in the brain, and a deficiency can be caused by high sugar or carb intake and phytic acid in grains.
• ☀️ Vitamin D deficiency can exacerbate dementia symptoms, and it's important for slowing brain damage.
• 🥗 A keto diet with fasting can help feed the brain differently and slow down degeneration.
• 🐟 Consuming fatty fish, seafood, and red meat can provide essential nutrients like zinc, omega-3, and B12.
• 🍋 Betaine hydrochloride can help increase stomach acid and improve B12 absorption.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is the discussion of vitamin deficiencies that can mimic dementia symptoms.

Which vitamin deficiency is considered the number one mimic of dementia?

Vitamin B12 deficiency is considered the number one mimic of dementia.

Why might someone be deficient in Vitamin B12?

A person might be deficient in Vitamin B12 if they do not consume animal products or if they lack hydrochloric acid in their stomach, which is necessary for B12 absorption.

How can someone get Vitamin B12 from non-animal sources?

Vitamin B12 can be obtained from certain microbes, as demonstrated by the presence of B12 in wheatgrass juice powder, which is produced by microbes in the grass.

What is one of the side effects of taking metformin that relates to vitamin deficiencies?

Taking metformin can lead to deficiencies in not just Vitamin B12, but also Vitamin B1.

What role does the omega-3 fatty acid DHA play in relation to Vitamin B12?

DHA is necessary to allow Vitamin B12 to work effectively, suggesting that both nutrients are important for brain function.

Which common medications can cause side effects that mimic dementia?

Common medications that can cause side effects mimicking dementia include antacids, bladder medications, sleep aids, antidepressants, medications for anxiety, cholesterol medications like statins, blood pressure medications, corticosteroids, and alcohol.

What is the importance of Vitamin B1 in relation to the brain?

Vitamin B1 is crucial for the metabolism of mitochondria that generates energy for the brain. A deficiency in B1 can lead to damage in the hippocampus, which is involved with memory.

How does a high-carb diet affect Vitamin B1 levels?

A high-carb diet increases the demand for Vitamin B1, as the brain requires more B1 to metabolize the increased carbohydrates, potentially leading to a deficiency.

What is the connection between zinc deficiency and Alzheimer's disease?

Zinc deficiency can lead to the development of amyloid plaques in the brain, a characteristic seen in Alzheimer's disease.

What dietary and lifestyle recommendations are made in the video for addressing dementia symptoms?

The video recommends adopting a keto diet with fasting, consuming fatty fish and seafood for zinc and omega-3 fatty acids, eating red meat for B12, and taking betaine hydrochloride to improve stomach acid and B12 absorption.

Outlines

00:00

🧠 Vitamin B12 Deficiency Mimicking Dementia

The video script discusses the critical role of vitamin B12 in brain health, suggesting that a deficiency in this vitamin could mimic dementia symptoms. It emphasizes that B12 is primarily found in animal products, and its deficiency can occur in vegetarians or vegans, or due to a lack of stomach acid, which is necessary for absorption. The script also mentions that certain medications, like metformin, can lead to B12 and B1 deficiencies. The importance of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA, is highlighted for its synergy with B12 in brain function. The video also warns about common medications that could cause dementia-like symptoms as side effects and suggests evaluating their use.

05:03

🥩 Addressing Nutrient Deficiencies to Prevent Dementia

This paragraph delves into the importance of various nutrients in preventing dementia, starting with B1, which is vital for the hippocampus, the region of the brain associated with memory. A high-carb diet is identified as a leading cause of B1 deficiency, which can lead to memory problems and confusion. Zinc is highlighted as another crucial nutrient that, when deficient, could contribute to amyloid plaque formation in the brain, a characteristic of Alzheimer's disease. The paragraph also discusses the role of vitamin D in slowing brain damage and the benefits of a ketogenic diet, fatty fish, and red meat in supplying essential nutrients. It concludes with a recommendation for betaine hydrochloride to improve stomach acid levels, which is crucial for nutrient absorption, especially B12.

Keywords

💡Dementia

Dementia is a general term for a decline in cognitive function severe enough to interfere with daily life. In the video, it is discussed as a condition that can be mimicked by vitamin deficiencies. The speaker emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between actual dementia and symptoms caused by deficiencies.

💡Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin found in animal products and necessary for brain function and the production of red blood cells. The video highlights that a deficiency in B12 can mimic dementia symptoms and is often due to low intake of animal products or insufficient stomach acid for absorption.

💡Hydrochloric Acid

Hydrochloric acid is a component of gastric acid produced in the stomach that helps with digestion and absorption of nutrients, including B12. The video explains that low levels of hydrochloric acid can lead to a B12 deficiency, which in turn can cause cognitive problems.

💡Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA, are crucial for brain health and cognitive function. The video notes that omega-3s are necessary for B12 to effectively support brain function and prevent cognitive decline.

💡Metformin

Metformin is a medication commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes. The video mentions that it can cause deficiencies in B12 and B1, leading to cognitive issues that may be mistaken for dementia.

💡Hippocampus

The hippocampus is a part of the brain involved in memory and learning. The video discusses how deficiencies in vitamins like B1 can cause damage to the hippocampus, leading to memory loss and symptoms similar to dementia.

💡Ketogenic Diet

A ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that induces a state of ketosis, where the body uses fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. The video suggests that a keto diet can help support brain function and reduce symptoms of cognitive decline by providing an alternative energy source for neurons.

💡Phytic Acid

Phytic acid is a compound found in grains and legumes that can inhibit the absorption of essential minerals like zinc. The video explains that high levels of phytic acid can lead to zinc deficiency, contributing to cognitive problems and dementia-like symptoms.

💡Zinc

Zinc is a mineral important for brain health and immune function. The video highlights that zinc deficiency, often caused by high carbohydrate diets or phytic acid, can lead to amyloid plaquing in the brain, associated with Alzheimer's disease.

💡Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for bone health and immune function. The video emphasizes that a deficiency in vitamin D can accelerate cognitive decline and dementia, and suggests sources like sunlight, fatty fish, and supplements.

Highlights

Vitamin B12 deficiency can mimic dementia symptoms.

Vitamin B12 is primarily found in animal products and is crucial for brain function.

Hydrochloric acid in the stomach is necessary for B12 absorption, and its production decreases with age or antacid use.

One symptom of low hydrochloric acid is acid reflux.

Metformin can cause deficiencies in both B12 and vitamin B1.

Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA, are necessary for B12 to work effectively.

Certain medications can cause dementia-like symptoms, including antacids, bladder medications, sleep aids, antidepressants, anxiety medications, cholesterol medications, blood pressure medications, corticosteroids, and alcohol.

Vitamin B1 deficiency can also cause damage to the hippocampus, similar to a lack of oxygen.

High carbohydrate diets increase the demand for B1, often leading to a deficiency.

Zinc deficiency can lead to amyloid plaquing in the brain, associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Phytic acid in grains, breads, pastas, and crackers blocks zinc absorption.

Vitamin D deficiency can accelerate the progression from mild to severe dementia.

A keto diet and fasting can help slow brain degeneration by running the brain on ketones.

Fatty fish and seafood provide zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D.

Red meat is a good source of B12.

Betaine hydrochloride can help increase stomach acid and improve B12 absorption.

Transcripts

today we're going to discuss a very very

important topic um

what was that

dementia actually i'm going to show you

the number one vitamin deficiency

that mimics

dementia okay because

if you have this idea that you're

getting dementia or someone's telling

you you're getting dementia

it could be a simple vitamin deficiency

not the actual disease dementia and i

will point this out i've talked about in

other videos the worst thing to do is

if your spouse friend or family member

starts

forgetting things they start having

confusions or they're making all these

different mistakes to remind them of

that but that's actually one way to

cause them to make more and more

mistakes or forget things

all right what is the most important

vitamin uh for the brain okay and if

you're deficient can create

all sorts of cognitive problems well

that would be vitamin b12

b12 is from animal products so if you're

not consuming animal products you

probably are going to be deficient

unless you take it as a supplement

now i will say that b12 is also made by

microbes because

i did an evaluation on my wheatgrass

juice powder and it was kind of shocking

to find out there was b12 in wheatgrass

because grass doesn't make b12

it's the microbes that were in the grass

that made the b12 which is interesting

so you can get b12 from certain microbes

all right the other cause of a b12

deficiency is that

you don't have enough hydrochloric acid

in your stomach now that happens as we

age it can also happen if you're taking

an antacid you need

strong hydrochloric acid to be able to

absorb b12

so that's another little thing

to be aware of one symptom of low

hydrochloric acid is acid reflux okay

if that surprises you

you should probably watch that video

that i did on that topic after you're

done with this one

now one of the cause of a b12 deficiency

would be the side effect of metformin

all right so when you take metformin you

become deficient in not just b12 but

vitamin b1 as well now in the studies in

b12 when they gave people b12

with people that already had a

deficiency in omega-3 fatty acids

b12 didn't seem to work but when you

have enough of this omega-3 fatty acid

called dha

then b12 worked very very well so in

other words you need the omega-3 fatty

acid

to allow b12 to work so you need both of

these for brain function

another really

common cause of dementia

are the side effects from

medications

especially antacids

bladder medications for bladder control

sleep aids antidepressants medication

for anxiety cholesterol medication okay

statins

blood pressure medications cortical

steroids

and alcohol

so in other words if you're starting to

get dementia symptoms

and you're on some of these medications

get that medication out and start

looking at the side effects it could be

as simple as some medication that is

causing you to have dementia in fact

it's very very common i mean can you

imagine not really evaluating these side

effects right and then you have dementia

and you're on another medication for

that that potentially can give you

another side effect that you take

another medication for i'm telling you

there are so many side effects that are

then camouflaged with other medications

and there's no way to know if your

symptom is coming from that unless you

come off that medication of course check

with your doctor there's several other

really important vitamin deficiencies

and a mineral deficiency that is related

to dementia that you have to be aware of

b1 is a very common one

especially with the area of the brain

that's involved with memory loss and

that would be the hippocampus the

hippocampus is the part of the brain

that's involved with

memories now they don't know exactly

what it does but they do know when the

hippocampus shrinks and has

neurodegeneration or atrophy then you

get alzheimer's and not just a b12

deficiency

but a b1 deficiency can actually create

damage of the hippocampus it can create

the same damage as a lack of oxygen

hypoxia okay so b1 is very very

important

it's important as a cofactor in the

metabolism of the mitochondria that

generates energy for the brain so

without b1 the nerves cannot work and

you literally starve off the fuel for

the brain

and the number one cause of the b1

deficiency is consuming too much sugar

or carbohydrates you see the more

carbohydrate that you give the brain to

run on the more b1 you you need so the

high carb diets increase the demand for

b1 and so usually people don't have

enough b1 and so that creates more of a

deficiency and now you're left with a

situation where your hippocampus starts

to suffer it starts to break down and

then you're having problems with memory

uh locating things

confusion

coming up with solution to problems zinc

is another key nutrient involved with

hippocampus if you have a zinc

deficiency

you'll have a tendency to develop

amyloid plaquing in the brain which you

see in alzheimer's

now how do you become zinc deficient

probably also because you're consuming

too much sugar or carbs

but also something called phytic acid

phytic acid is in the grains it's in the

breads it's in the pasta it's in the

crackers so that phytic acid blocks zinc

which can then cause these symptoms

right here so zinc is an another

important nutrient and then we have

vitamin d okay

if you're deficient in vitamin d which

most the population is deficient you can

go from a mild form of dementia to a

severe

form of dementia a lot faster so vitamin

d

slows

the process of developing

damage in your brain and of course

vitamin d comes from the sun it's very

difficult to get it from the food but

it's in fatty fish dairy it's in cod

liver oil it's also in mushrooms but not

to a large degree so if you have signs

and symptoms of dementia

this is what i would recommend okay i

would recommend getting on a keto diet

immediately okay the healthy version

with fasting because out of all the

things that you can do running the the

brain on ketones

would be the best thing you could do

because it'll bypass the damage in the

hippocampus and feed the neurons

directly from a different way and

actually

help slow down this degeneration

number two

fish fatty fish and seafood okay seafood

will give you the zinc it will also give

you the omega-3 fatty acids dha but also

fatty fish like salmon will also give

you both of those nutrients as well as

vitamin d

red meat for b12

another important thing but if you're

deficient in b12 red meat will give you

all you need

now this other thing with the stomach if

your stomach acids are not strong enough

this is a really good remedy it's called

betaine hydrochloride you want to take

like five of these right before you have

a meal and that will slowly start

building up the acid in the stomach as

well as the absorption of b12 so this is

a really good plan if you're starting to

get this symptom of um

what is that

dementia

now if you haven't seen my video on b12

that would be the next video to watch i

put it up right here check it out